Getting Through Mother and Father’s Day

Mother and Father’s Day can produce hella emotions. The scenarios can run from the excitement of ‘gifting lavishly’ to ‘I don’t know what to do’ to the trauma of broken relationships to death of a loved one, and finally dealing with unmeetable expectations.  Here are some tips for a more peaceful day.

Communicate

Talk with the mother or father figure you wish to celebrate to see what they would like. Be ready for answers like me time, a date without the kids, time with my friends, sex with my partner, or an event with the kids.

If you want to be celebrated, but don’t usually get what you want, then ask for it. We are not going to berate, guilt, or talk *&% about the people around us because they didn’t meet our unstated expectations.

Expectations

Children owe their parents nothing. I’ll say it again. Children owe their parents nothing. Giving is a choice and never an obligation.

Mind your business!

Parents can look different from your view of a mom and dad. Don’t misgender, don’t disparage, and don’t regulate another’s view of who their parents are.

Be Intentionally Kind

Many have experienced death, illness, problematic court rulings, miscarriages, and trauma around holidays, especially Mother and Father’s Day. Choose your words and your actions carefully.

Love is unconditional: It is neither aroused nor diminished by the other’s value or qualities; it is a spontaneous gift that seeks nothing for the giver.

Simon May